Ancient Akanthos

Located on a lush hillside just 600 meters northeast of the modern town of Ierissos, Ancient Akanthos was once the most important and powerful city-port in Northeastern Halkidiki. Today, this expansive archaeological site offers a captivating journey into the past, overlooking the beautiful coastal zone of the Akanthios Gulf.

The History of the Great City

Founded in the mid-7th century BC by colonists from the island of Andros, Akanthos was built on the remains of an even older prehistoric settlement. Thanks to its strategic location and its harbor, the city grew incredibly wealthy, even minting its own widely recognized silver coins. It played a significant role during the Persian Wars and later became an ally of the Athenians and the Spartans, before falling under the rule of the Kingdom of Macedonia.

What to See at the Archaeological Site

Extensive excavations by the Greek Ephorate of Antiquities have brought remarkable findings to light. Visitors exploring the green ridges of the site can observe:

• The Acropolis & City Walls: Impressive, well-preserved sections of the ancient fortification walls (built with large granite blocks) and the ruins of the grand acropolis.
• Public Buildings: Scattered architectural elements and foundations of public buildings and temples dating from the Classical and Hellenistic periods.
• The Massive Cemetery: Stretching along the coastal zone of modern Ierissos, the ancient cemetery of Akanthos is one of the largest ever discovered in Greece. It was in continuous use from the archaic period (7th century BC) until the 17th century AD, containing over 9,000 graves with fascinating burial artifacts

Practical Information for Visitors

• Location: Ierissos, East Halkidiki (just a short walk from the town center).
• Opening Hours: The main archaeological site is usually open from 08:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday (Closed on weekends).
• Where to see the findings: While the ruins are fascinating to walk through, the actual physical artifacts (pottery, jewelry, and coins) found in the 9,000 graves are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros.